Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Word is breaking out all over this morning that the grass in Michigan doesn't necessarily taste better for Les Miles after all.

The LSU coach, who spent a roller-coaster year on the bayou, apparently will stay in Baton Rouge. The announcement comes after Miles sent out more hints than a 16-year-old without a prom date that he would return to his alma mater if offered the job.

LSU went 11-2 under Miles this year, then body-slammed Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl. The Tigers are one of the favorites for the 2011 SEC crown, automatically putting them in the BCS conversation as the SEC goes after its sixth national championship in a row.

Given how quickly Michigan turned to Hoke, one of two things happened.

1. Michigan really wanted Les but had Hoke in the wings.

2. Michigan, knowing that Hoke is not a household name, paid lip service to its better-known alum to hold down criticism of the hire. The Lloyd Carr faction blocked Les last time. Wouldn't surprise me if it preferred Hoke this go-around.

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Michael Gordon

Allegiance: Alabama
Favorite player: Johnny Musso . . . The Italian Stallion -- Sylvester Stallone is a plagiarist -- played more often in torn garb than the Incredible Hulk. (Musso was also a better blocker.)

Possibly disturbing fact: Trash-talked the infant son of Auburn friends after the kid projectile vomited in my living room the instant after an Alabama touchdown.

Possibly disturbing fact: Have an original 45 of “The Ballad of Archie Who” on the wall at home, right by the “Drink Barq’s – It’s Good” sign.

Courtney St. Onge

Allegiance: Auburn

Favorite player: Bo

Possibly disturbing fact: Had picture taken with Terry Bowden at a meet-and-greet following his undefeated season. Just for fun, I mailed it to him later, autographed by my uncle and me. Who knew he would actually need the "Good luck in your endeavors!"?

Other fact: It was my infant son that Michael Gordon trash-talked. Just so you know.

Possibly disturbing fact: Once thought it would be funny to teach my toddler to say "Roll Tide!" We practiced covertly. Then, one day, my wife the Auburn grad walked in. "Roll Tide!" my son said, perfectly. Turned out to be more funny in the conceptual stage.

Tommy Tomlinson

Allegiance: Georgia

Favorite player: The immortal Herschel Walker, who, by the way, is immortal

Possibly disturbing fact: Slept in car one Georgia-Florida weekend after last-minute decision to go to game. Sneaked into Jacksonville University dorms for showers. Thanks for lax security, Jax!